The Family by the Shore (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781478353683)

June Davies was born in an old house overlooking the Lancashire coastline, and the seashore finds its way into many of her stories. Sometimes, as in The Dog Star, the sea is a powerful force driving the inhabitants of 19th Century Monks Quay, while in other tales like The Family by the Shore, it has a gentler presence, yet still influences the characters and their lives. How long has June been writing, and how did she get started? "I've always loved reading and books, and always, always longed to be a writer! I can't remember a time when I wasn't scribbling away at some story or other. While still at school, I started submitting stories to magazines secretly - (I never told anybody about my dream of becoming an author) -- and the avalanche of rejection slips began in earnest! During my later teens, however, I was so very fortunate because although a story I submitted wasn't suitable, the editor saw promise in my writing and encouraged me to send in more stories. Hard work is essential, but sheer good fortune plays a huge part too. "In those early days, I mostly wrote stories for children, and had great fun painting and drawing illustrations to accompany them. I'd compile puzzles, quizzes and crosswords for younger readers, too. There were some mysteries, Roaring Twenties' American gangster yarns and lots of westerns - published under a suitably rugged pen-name! -- articles about Lancashire and Yorkshire history, a little poetry and lots of short stories. I still find short stories terribly difficult, novels and serials seem much easier to write." She writes contemporary and period fiction, which is her favourite genre? "Oh, I enjoy them both! History has intrigued me since schooldays, and when as a mature student I read History at University of Liverpool, it was like being given a passport to travel through time! Whether reading or writing, I love slipping back through the centuries and being part of those stories for a while. There's a real magic to it!" June Davies writes historical romantic suspense and family sagas, short stories and serials, and short stories for children - She still lives within walking distance of the seashore. Author website: www.junedavies.com